Campfire Stories

Dispatches from Sherman—

Agreement Between Sherman and Johnson for an Armistice and a Basis for Peace—Sherman's Action Disapproved

WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, April 22.

Yesterday evening a bearer of dispatches arrived from General Sherman. An agreement for a suspension of hostilities, and a memorandum of what is called a basis for peace, had been entered into on the 18th inst., by General Sherman, with the rebel General Johnson, Brigadier Gen. Breckenridge was present at the conference. A Cabinet meeting was held at 8 o'clock in the evening, at which the action of Gen. Sherman was disapproved by the President, by the Secretary of War, by Gen. Grant

and by every member of the Cabinet. Gen. Sherman was ordered to resume hostilities immediately, and was directed that the instructions given by the late President, in the following telegram, which was penned by Mr. Lincoln 'himself, at the capital, on the night of the 8d of March, were approved by President Andrew Johnson, and were reiterated to govern the action of military commanders.

On the night of the 3d of March, while President Lincoln and big Cabinet were at the Capitol, a telegram from Gen. Grant was brought to the Secretary of War, informing him that Gen. Lee bad requested an interview, or conference, to make an arrangement for terms of peace. The letter of Gen.

Lee was published in a letter to Davis and to the rebel Congress. Gen. Grant's telegram was submitted to Mr. Lincoln, who, after pondering a few minutes, took up his pen and wrote with his own hand the following reply, which he submitted to the Secretary of State and Secretary of War. It was then dated, addressed and signed by the Secretary of War, and telegraphed to Gen. Grant:

WASHINGTON, March 3,1865—12 P.M.

Lieut. Gen. Grant:

The President directs me to say to you that he wishes you to have no conference with Gen. Lee, unless it be for the capitulation of Gen. Lee's army, or on some minor or purely military matter. He instructs me to say that you are not to decide, discuss or confer upon any political questions. Such questions the President holds in his own hands and will submit them to no military conferences or conventions. Meantime, you are to press to the utmost your military advantages.

Signed E. M. STANTON.Secretary of War.

The orders of Gen. Sherman to General and for Reasons for Disapproving the Agreement.

This proceeding of Gen. Sherman was unapproved for the following, among many other reasons:

1. It was an exercise of authority not vested in Gen. Sherman, and its face shows that both he and Johnston knew he (Gen. Sherman) had no authority to enter into any such arrangement.

2. It was a practical acknowledgment of the rebel Government.

3. It undertook to re-establish the rebel State Governments, that bad been overthrown at the sacrifice of many thousand loyal lives, and an immense treasure, and placed arms and munitions of war in the hands of rebels, at their respective capitals, which might be used as soon as the armies of the United States were disbanded, and used to conquer and subdue the loyal Status.

4. By the restoration of the rebel authorities in their respective Slates, they would be hotblooded to re-establish slavery.

6. It might furnish a ground of responsibility by the Federal Government to pay the rebel debt, and certainly,subjects loyal citizens of the rebel States to the debt consummated by the rebels in the name of the State.

6. It put in dispute the existence of loyal State Governments and the new State of United States West Virginia, which had been rerecorded by every department of the United States Government.

7. It practically abolished the confiscated a detailed report will be forwarded as soon as they are completed. The quantity of cotton will probably reach 3,000 bales,— and there is a large amount of prisoners and forage.

Major-General Hancock reports that nearly all of Mosby's command have surrendered, including nearly or quite all of the officers except Mosey himself. Some of Mosby's own men are hunting for a reward of $2,000, offered for him by Gen. Hancock who has been directed to establish his headquarters at Washington.

The counties of Prince George, Charles and St. Mary's have during the whole war been noted for hostility to the government, and its protection to rebel blockade runners, rebel spies, and every species of public entryway.

The murderer of the President harbored there before the murder, and Booth fled in that direction. If he escapes it will be owing to rebel accomplices in that direction.

The military commander of the department will surely take measures tn bring these rebel sympathizers and accomplices is the murder to a sense of their criminal conduct.

Remains of President Lincoln in chicago

Sunday, 03 May 2015 11:36 | Written by compiled by James Johnson

Madison Wisconsin State Journal May 2, 1865

Yesterday was a marked day in tho history of Chicago—a day long to be remembered by the hundreds of thousands, who witnessed the grand and imposing ceremony of receiving the mortal remains of the Nation's noblest son,"ABRAHAM LINCOLN, the martyr President of the United States.

The funeral train arrived at the point designated, near Michigan Avenue, some two miles south of the Central Depot, at 1 o'clock, A.M. Tho arrival was announce by the tolling of bells, and the firing of miniature guns. The thousands assembled in the vicinity stood in breathless silence, and reverently uncovered, as the sacred corpse was borne to the funeral car, under a grand arch.

As the coffin was removed from the car to the hearse, it became visible for the first time to the spectators. Its splendor and magnificence could not well be surpassed. In entire cost was about $2,000, and it is probably the most perfect and superbly finished article of the kind ever manufacturer in this country.

The limber used in the construction is mahogany. This is lined with lead. The inside of the coffin is faced with box plaited satin, the pillow and lower surface are of the fines! description of white silk, and the whole is surrounded with chenille as in fringe. The inside of the face lid is raised with while satin the center piece is trimmed with black and white silk braid, fastened at the four corners with silver stars. The upper part of the lid is thrown back so as to reveal the head and bust.

The most rich and costly description of black cloth covers the outside. It is heavily fringed with silver, having four silver medallions on either side, in which are set the handles. All along the sides it is beautifully and elaborately festooned with massive drapery, in each fold of which glitters a silver star. The edges are decorated with silver braid, having tassels each five inches inches in length. Upon each side are four massive handles, also of silver, and at the end and front are stars of the same material. On the top is a row of silver tacks, extending the whole, length, a few inches from the edge.

In the center is a silver plate, on which is the inscription:

ABRAHAM LINCOLN

Sixteenth President of the United States.

Born July 12, 1809

Died April 15, 1865

This is encircled by a shield formed of silver tacks. The whole is really beautiful,'and finished with exceedingly good taste and fine workmanship.

The procession was immense and grand.

Any description we could write of it would entirely fail to give any adequate idea of the magnitude and grandeur. It was promptly and quietly formed, and moved down Michigan Avenue. Upon each side was formed the various public organizations, schools and as the head of the procession passed through, they fell into the rear. To give a partial idea of its extent, over four hours elapsed after the head of the procession moved, before the whole had fallen into line.

The head of' the procession reached the Court House, where the sacred remains were deposited, at about one o'clock; at four o'clock, when' we left the city, the rear had not arrived at that point, nor had all the organized societies.

All the residences along the route of the procession, were beautifully decorated with various emblems of mourning. The whole scene was sadly grand The mottos upon the different residences and business building, were numerous, and many of them exceedingly beautiful and appropriate.

We give a few as specimens: " Mournfully, tenderly,-honor on the dead." Our Country's following motto: " Illinois clasps to her bosom her slain but now Glorified Son."

This is encircled by a shield formed of silver tacks. The whole is really beautiful,'and finished with exceedingly good taste and fine workmanship.

The grand arch above referred to, is described in the Journal as follows: The entire arch, which extends across Park place, is of triple Gothic form, in length spanning a distance of fifty-one feet, and having a depth of sixteen feet. The height from the ground to the center of the middle or main, won, is thirty feet, with, a width of twenty four feet tide arches being each eight feet wide and twenty feet in height. The total height of the center arch and pinnacles is about forty feet so much for the dimensions of this beautiful structure. each of the arches all presenting their front elevations towards Michigan avenue and the lake is supported by a cluster of hexagonal columns, resting upon a single base, forming four sets of columns on each front.

The interstices between these columns are fitted up as Gothic windows, and beautifully draped as such, in black and white, adding a solemn effect to tho general appearance.

At the center of each arch, on the top of the columns of both front, are large imposing American shield, from which draped national ensigns hung in graceful fashion. From these flags the mourning drapery entwines about the different portions of the arches, up to the pinnacle in the center. The lower portions of the arches it also heavily draped in black and white, beautifully arranged. Fifty flags, in all, form the drapery and surmount the arches.

On each pediment of the main or center arch is placed a bust of the lamented dead, and upon each main front, resting on the pinnacle above the bust, is seen a magnificent eagle. Underneath tho eagles, and above the busts, the drapery takes the form of the sun's rays, as if they atill lingered upon the honored corpse.

Over this arch-way were various appropriate in , some of which were as follows: "The Union, cemented with patriot blood, will stand forever." "An honest man is the noblest work of God." " We mourn the man with heaven born principles," &c.

The Funeral Car was a most splendid affair, in design, and executed in excellent taste. It was drawn by ten beautiful black horses, each attended by a groom.

All the residences along the route of the procession, were beautifully decorated with various emblems of mourning. The whole «scene was sadly grand. The motto upon the different residences and business buildings, were numerous, and many of them exceedingly beautiful and appropriate. We give a few as specimens: " Mournfully, tenderly,- tear on the dead." "Our Country's following motto: " Illinois clasps to her bosom her slain but now Glorified Son."The city was literally full of people, all intent upon obtaining a view, at least, of the coffin that contains the much beloved remains.

Every window along tho entire" route of the procession was filled with ladies, taking a deep interest in the sublime spectacle.

The number present was estimated at not less than two hundred and fifty thousand. But we cannot further particularize. The demonstration was worthy the great city of Chicago, and worthy of the solemn occasion that called it forth. It was fitting that Chicago should show a proper respect to the great and noble dead on the arrival of tho remains in that city,—

It was there he was nominated to be a President and a martyr. It was there he was well known in life, and most highly respected.— It was there tho' expected to make his future residence, when his term as President should expire. It was the first reception in Illinois, the Home of the late President. Taking in to view all these considerations, much-was expected of Chicago. Most nobly did she meet, and doubly meet, the most extravagant expectation, of an appreciating people. In thus honoring the memory of the illustrious departed, she has done honor, not only to herself, but to the whole Nation.

DISSOLUTION OF THE IRON BRIGADE

DISSOLUTION OF THE IRON BRIGADE Correspondence of the Sentinel Camp 6th wis. Vet. Vols Near Jeffersonville, Ind, July 1st, 1865

EDITORS SENTINEL-Today the old Iron Brigade-that gallant organization which has earned its place in History by deeds of heroism on the battle-fields of Gainesville, Bull Run, South Mountain Antietam, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spotsylvania and Petersburg, is to be dissolved forever, by the mustering out of the Seventh Wisconsin Vet. Vols, one of the oldest and best regiments of the brigade Last summer, the work commenced when the noble old Second, whose term of service had expired left us at Bottom Bridge on the Chickahominy, and a little later the Nineteenth Indiana Vols. Was consolidated with the Twentieth Indiana, and thus we lost out two oldest regiments. It was a sorrowful day when these regiments left the Brigade, The Nineteenth marched out at Reverse arms, and many were the tears shed by as gallant Hoosiers as ever left the State of Indiana, Still later the Twenty-fourth Michigan volunteers was detached from the Brigade, and sent to Springfield, Ill. To keep the "sucker" conscripts in durance vile-thus leaving but the two regiments, the Sixth and Seventh Wisconsin, and now to complete the work of dissolution, the gallant "Hungry Seventh," as they were called by the Second boys is to go home and be citizens once more. Thus ends the career of a brigade whose reputation the Union over, for patriotism courage and endurance was second to none in the Northern army. They have shed a bright luster on the fame of our State, and for themselves thy have only to make known the fact of having once belonged to the renowned Iron Brigade to receive the homage and respect an emperor would be proud of. The soldiers who have belonged to the organization at different periods all feel proud of the privilege of saying they once were members of it; and now that it is one of the things of the past, the remembrance of its deeds of valor will forever by the dearest thoughts of those whose daring courage ns steady patriotism made the nave of the Iron Brigade famous and glorious throughout the length and breadth of the land the proud record of this brigade is imperishable. Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana can say with truth that they have furnished the bravest soldiers of the war and they have had their shoulders to the wheel ever since the rebellion broke out. Their soldiers have never faltered, in the dark days after the second battle of Bull Run and Lee's invasion of Maryland they were confident that the fortunes of the Union army would chance that Right would be vindicated-and the result proved they were not wrong. The Sixth, which is the last regiment of this brigade, is now commanded by Brevet Lieut. Col. D.B. Dailey, Col. Kellogg having been assigned to the command of the Second Brigade of this Division. Col. Dailey ahs risen from the ranks solely through merit. He enlisted in Capt. Colwell's Co. B, of the Second Wisconsin Infantry, early in the spring of '61. The Colonel is a gallant officer, and deserved the comparatively high rank he has attained. He is a self make man, a good officer and has the confidence of his superiors. At the time of the consolidation of the Second with the Sixth Wisconsin regiment he was promoted to major and has since been brevetted Lieut Colonel for gallantry of the field of battle. The Colonel has been several times wounded. He has always been a true man to the government and at the outbreak of the rebellion, staked his life and health in the great struggle, which has just ended for the vindication of democratic principles. The Sixth regiment numbers now about four hundred men, mostly conscripts and recruits whose terms of service will expire next fall. The boys are all very anxious to get home to their families and friends and enjoy a season of rest and peace. There is considerable grumbling because they cannot go home with their old commander of the Seventh and indeed the Seventh would rather wait a little longer if they could have their company in the glad journey homeward. The Seventh goes out of the service in accordance with an order from the War Department to muster out 15,000 of the Army of the Tennessee, and the oldest organization were to be the favored ones. The Seventh mustered into the service as veterans three or four days before the Sixth and they are the lucky boys.

The Assassination Plot

Monday, 20 April 2015 21:58 | Written by compiled by James Johnson

The Assassination Plot Madison Wisconsin State Journal April 20, 1865

Baltomore, April 18

A highly important arrest has been made here to day. the name of the party at present is withheld. He had made a full confesslon and acknowledges to be the author of the letter signed Sam which was found in Booth's trunk.

He states that the original design of the conspidators was to merely capture President Lincoln, make him a prisoner and in this way compel a general release of all rebel prisoners then held by the United States: When the general exchange of prisoners however commenced, the project was abandoned by him and others as no longer necessary and he says he refused to have anything further to do with it and endeavored to induce others to give up their designs upon the life of the President.

The City Council have offered a reward of $10,000 for the arrest of the assassin of President Lincoln. The feeling here against Booth is greatly intensified, by the fact that he was a Baltimore man it is desired by the people that one who has so dishonored the name of Baltmore should meet speedy justice.